SNAP (Special Needs Athletic Programs)

why it's important:

My brother and I were inspired by a close family friend with autism. Though he and I are the same age, he has never been able to enjoy sports and friendships because of his special needs. Sports have always been a huge passion of mine, and every child deserves to feel like they are part of a team.

the plan of action:

SNAP began as a series of free sports clinics for children with special needs. These sports programs teach fundamental skills of basketball, baseball, and soccer to these kids, while fostering communication, teamwork, and self-esteem. They also provide a platform for the special needs families and siblings to bond and support one another and the community.

Since taking over SNAP, I have expanded our clinics to include art, music, and tae kwon do. I also began our In House Buddy Program in which mentors can visit homes of special needs children to provide friendship and homework help. Finally, my most recent project has been taking SNAP's message of acceptance and anti-bullying into the classroom by providing sensitivity training to schools all over New Jersey. With blindfolds, balance balls, and other techniques, I can show other schoolchildren what it is like to be blind, dyslexic, autistic, etc. so that they experience firsthand the challenges and frustrations faced by their classmates with special needs. I remind them that even though they may be able to take off the blindfolds or speak and read normally when the exercise is over, millions of children cannot. It is my hope to implement this type of training in all schools across the country and to continue to create opportunities and acceptance for children with special needs.

how you can get involved:

SNAP's motto is "Kids Helping Kids," and we pride ourselves on being able to train elementary and high school students to be mentors and volunteers for special needs children. Our volunteers can help run our sports clinics, visit the homes of special needs kids with our In House Buddy Program, and even start sports clinics in their own towns.

SNAP is also a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and all donations made to SNAP Inc. are tax-deductible. Donations help ensure that we can keep our clinics open and free.

Regardless of how much time or money you have to volunteer, everyone can help SNAP's mission by inviting a disabled classmate to sit at their lunch table, and can make a difference with even just a smile.